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SI0815When looking to purchase a flashlight, customers will usually look at its size. In fact, it’s probably the first thing they think of when determining their needs. Unfortunately there’s no way to predict whether a customer will want a large, medium or small light before they come into your store. Those who carry backpacks most often prefer small lights to reduce weight, while for others who drive SUVs to camp tend to prefer larger ones. Consequently, it’s to a retailer’s advantage to stock all sizes. Flashlights, batteries and related accessories also offer a more comfortable markup compared to the tight margins in firearms. If your store offers a variety of finishes on different models of lights, your store will have an advantage over others. Tactical flashlights are typically offered in basic black or silver, which customers in that segment of the market will gravitate to. On the other hand, hunters and military customers will prefer camo patterns or solid colors, such as green or brown. A good selection geared to your customer mix increases the likelihood of sales. While some flashlights have internal charging systems, the overwhelming majority uses drop-in batteries of both the singleuse and rechargeable kind. For flashlights, batteries are easy secondary sales. The early LED flashlights used batteries produced The Streamlight TLR-6TM is an ultra-compact weapon light/laser-sighting device designed for the GLOCK 42 and 43. It delivers 100 lumens, as well as housing a 640-660 nm red laser. Light Up Secondary Sales by Asian manufacturers, and they were hard to come by. American manufacturers have caught up, so this has become less of a problem. Flashlight accessories include the aforementioned universal and specific gun mounts, as well as lens filters (in a variety of colors for various situations), diffusers, holsters and belt clips (most commonly used by L.E. personnel) and lanyards. These add-ons present additional opportunities for secondary sales. Flashlights, batteries and related accessories also offer a more comfortable markup compared to the tight margins in firearms — a markup of 25 to 40 percent isn’t uncommon. Add it all up and you can gauge there’s good money to be made in flashlights, so isn’t it time you invest your capital and knowledge in this product category? 9 1-4x24, 2.5-10x56, 3-9x40, 4-16x50 Models | LED Illuminated Reticle Superior Multi-Coated Quality Lenses | Powered by a Single CR2032 Battery Second Focal Plane | 11 Brightness Settings | Waterproof to 10 ft. (3m) © 2015 Trijicon, Inc. Wixom, MI USA 1-800-338-0563 www.trijicon.com ACCUPOWER RIFLESCOPES ™ 42 Trijicon_ShootingIndustry_PML7039-1Rev(15.0).indd 1 AUGUST 2015 Subscribe to SI DIGITAL 5/18/15 1:51 PM www.shootingindustry.comPage 41Page 43

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